Boat hire · Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos
Private boat hire in the Algarve with skipper
One coast, four marinas, the right boat for your group
Looking for boat hire in the Algarve? Every boat we offer comes with a professional skipper, so there is no licence to worry about and no need to learn the coast. You choose the boat and the length of the trip, and the skipper takes care of navigation, anchoring and safety while you swim, eat, sunbathe and enjoy the view.
The real choice is the type of boat. A motor yacht covers the most ground in the time you have, which matters if you want to see the Benagil caves or Ponta da Piedade on a half day. A sailing yacht is quieter and more traditional, with the sound of wind instead of engines, and often excellent value for small groups. A catamaran has two hulls, so it is very stable and spacious, ideal for families and larger groups.
Where you start matters too. Vilamoura is the base for 22 of our yachts, from sports yachts to the Azimut 80 and two catamarans, with four of them bookable online. Albufeira is closest to the central cliffs and coves. Portimão sits between Benagil and Lagos, and Lagos is the gateway to the western grottoes. Pick the port nearest your hotel, or the one closest to the coast you most want to see.
Every hire is private, priced per boat rather than per person, with VAT included. Skipper, fuel, drinks and snacks are included on every charter, and snorkelling gear and paddleboards are on board most boats, so a swim stop is never more than a ladder away. You can compare every yacht in our Algarve fleet.
Boats to hire across the Algarve
A cross-section of our fleet, from Vilamoura motor yachts to sailing yachts and catamarans further west. Every price is for the whole boat with skipper.
Sunset 2 hours from €1,000NOON
- Up to 11 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Flagship motor yacht, Vilamoura
- Half day 3 hours €1,300
Sunset 2 hours from €700São Lourenço
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Motor yacht, Vilamoura
- Half day 3 hours €1,000
Sunset 2 hours from €700Doris of Rock
- Up to 8 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Sports yacht for up to 8, Vilamoura
- Half day 3 hours €1,000
Sunset 2 hours from €1,000Fountaine Pajot 40
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Power catamaran, Vilamoura
- Half day 3 hours €1,350
Morning 4 hours from €2,200Serenity
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Superyacht, Albufeira
- Three cabins, up to 12 guests
2 hours from €600Pocahontas
- Up to 8 guests
- Departs Lagos Marina
- Sports yacht, Lagos
- Half day 3 h 30 €900
Half day 3 h 30 from €625Oceanis 45
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Lagos Marina
- Sailing yacht, Lagos
- Full day 7 hours €1,200
3 hours from €610Fountaine Pajot Isla 40
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- Catamaran, Portimão
- Sunset or 6 hours €850
Prices are per yacht, not per person, and include VAT. Skipper, crew, fuel, drinks and snacks are included. Yachts with online booking (NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis) save 10%.
Motor, sail or catamaran?
- Motor yacht: speed, comfort and range, whatever the wind. Shaded seating, a saloon and often en-suite bathrooms. Best for covering distance, such as Vilamoura to Benagil.
- Sailing yacht: calm, quiet and authentic. You can help with the sails or simply watch the skipper at work. Best for couples and small groups who enjoy the sea for its own sake.
- Catamaran: two hulls, little rolling and lots of deck space. Bow nets for lounging and an easy step into the water. Best for families, celebrations and groups of up to 18.
All three come with a skipper and the same inclusions, so the choice is about the experience you want rather than the price alone. See our catamaran charters for the full range.
Which marina should you choose?
Vilamoura suits guests in Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. It is about 10 to 15 minutes from Falésia and 45 to 60 minutes from both Benagil and the Ria Formosa, depending on the yacht and sea conditions.
Albufeira is closest to the central coves, sea stacks and cliffs. Portimão is well placed for Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and Benagil to the east, or Alvor to the west. Lagos puts the golden sea stacks and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade on your doorstep, with the beaches of Porto de Mós and Luz a little further west.
If you are staying inland or somewhere in between, tell us your hotel and the coast you would most like to see, and we will recommend the most practical marina and boat.
How long should you hire a boat for?
Two to three hours is ideal for a sunset cruise or a first taste of the coast close to your marina. Three to four hours is a popular length for a morning or afternoon: time for a destination, a swim stop and a relaxed return. A full day unlocks the long routes, a proper lunch at anchor and as many swims as you like. Remember that distance eats into time: from Vilamoura, Benagil is about 45 to 60 minutes each way, so a four-hour hire or longer makes sense.
For a celebration, the length often follows the occasion: a sunset toast, an afternoon party or a whole day together. Our hen party boats and corporate and golf group charters pages have suggestions.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to hire a boat in the Algarve?
No. Every boat is hired with a professional skipper, so you can relax while they handle the boat. We do not offer self-drive boat hire.
What is the cheapest private boat hire?
From €600 for two hours on Pocahontas in Lagos, €610 for three hours on the Isla 40 catamaran in Portimão, €625 for a 3 h 30 half day on the Oceanis 45 in Lagos and €700 for a two-hour sunset on São Lourenço in Vilamoura. All prices are per boat.
Is the price per person?
No. Every price is for the whole boat, with VAT included. Skipper, fuel, drinks and snacks are included on every charter.
How many people can we bring?
From 2 to 18 depending on the boat. Our Vilamoura yachts take from 8 guests on Doris of Rock to 18 on the Azimut 80 and the catamaran Morningstar, and our largest catamarans elsewhere also take up to 18.
Can the skipper take us anywhere?
Within the time you book, yes. Your skipper will plan the route around the sea conditions and what you want to see, and advise what is realistic from your marina.
How do I book a boat?
Boats with online booking (NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis) can be booked with a 50% deposit or full payment, and online booking saves 10%. For our other boats, we confirm availability and send a secure deposit link. Compare every boat on our yacht charter prices page.
More private charters in the Algarve
Catamaran charters
Benagil caves by yacht
Sunset & champagne cruises
Full-day yacht charter
Dolphins & coastline
Ponta da PiedadeRead more: Portimão yacht charter guide
Your day on the Algarve coast
Choose from our fleet of luxury yachts along the whole Algarve coast, with an expert skipper and crew on hand to make every moment unforgettable.
Find your yachtContact us
Tell us your date and group size and we will reply with the best boats available.
- Emailinfo@elitechartersalgarve.com
- Mobile / WhatsApp+351 965 656 675
- DeparturesGate A3, in front of Il Lamparo restaurant, Vilamoura Marina
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